Blue Lagoon vs Mývatn Nature Baths
Blue Lagoon vs Mývatn Nature Baths which one to choose?
Iceland was blessed with geothermal water which is a natural wonder that it can be used for producing energy, for pools, and even for baking. The Vikings used geothermal water mostly for geothermal baths so bathing in geothermal pools is strongly connected with Icelandic culture.
Geothermal pools look different now than they used to be but this may be a good thing. Many geothermal pools in Iceland offer an entire spa experience using natural resources.
Blue Lagoon is the most famous geothermal spa in Iceland and it is famous worldwide not only inside the country. Its blue water and silica masks are convincing tourists all over the world to stop there first when they come to Iceland.
Blue Lagoon was opened in 1987 so it has a tradition in Iceland.
If you’re looking to unwind in a truly unique way, Mývatn Nature Baths is the perfect destination. Located in northern Iceland, this one-of-a-kind spa is situated in an otherworldly landscape of volcanic craters and steam vents.
Mývatn Nature Baths were opened in June 2004 and year by year it became more popular amongst the tourists that wanted to relax after exploring the Icelandic landscape in the North.
Many people say that Mývatn Nature Baths is the Blue Lagoon of Northern Iceland or even better than the famous Blue Lagoon.
Can those two geothermal baths even compete? Let’s find out what to expect from each geothermal pool.
The water is BLUE! Why? The water contains a natural mineral called Silica which reflects light making the water look blue. The water is cloudy and white.
The water is very good for the skin. Yes. This natural silica mineral in the water is very good for the skin. It is an ingredient found in spa products like face masks and moisturizers.
Spend some time in the waters at the Blue Lagoon and you will feel that your skin is significantly smoother and nourished.
The water at Blue Lagoon is salty? Yes, it is. The reason is that due to the location of the geothermal water source of Blue Lagoon being relatively close to the ocean, small amounts of seawater seep through the lava rocks into the geothermal water source, causing the water to be slightly salty.
This makes the water even better for the skin. On top of being natural geothermal water with natural silica minerals, it also has some natural minerals from the ocean.
The water at Blue Lagoon is wastewater. In a way of saying, yes, the context is that the geothermal power plant right next to Blue Lagoon uses the geothermal water to generate electricity first before the water flows into Blue Lagoon.
This process simply removes some heat from the boiling geothermal water so that the water temperature is suitable for you and me to soak in. Nothing else is done to the water. In a way, the water is used more effectively, saving the environment.
At the Blue Lagoon, children 13 and under enjoy free admission. The age limit for entering the water is 2 years. Free admission for children means no additional services and they will share a locker with their parents.
Blue Lagoon has also accommodation facilities so you can stay there overnight and enjoy a whole day there.
Part of the Diamond Circle, the MyVatn geothermal area is one of the greatest natural areas in Europe located just 105 km (65 miles) from the Arctic Circle.
The Mývatn Nature Baths were developed in a natural environment without altering too much of the ecosystem around them. The area is rich in birdlife and unique flora.
The water in the spa is heated by the geothermal activity in the area and is rich in minerals that are very good for the skin. In the MyVatn area, the water contains a big amount of sulfur that is considered to be beneficial for respiratory diseases such as asthma and all the minerals in the water are perfect for healing the skin.
It’s a one-of-a-kind experience to soak in the warm, milky-blue water while taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
The lagoon is man-made and is filled with underground water that is drawn from depths up to 2500m. The underground water is first collected in an enormous basin right near the lagoon and has a temperature of 130°C.
That’s where the steam that you will see around the spa is coming from. This basin and the lagoons at MyVatn contain altogether about 3.5 million litres of water. The water is tempered to 36-40°C to be perfect for bathing all year round.
Facilities
Blue Lagoon: Mask bar, Sauna & Steam room, In-water bar, In-water massage, Lava restaurant, Moss restaurant, Spa restaurant, accommodation, changing room, lockers.
MyVatn Nature Baths
Besides relaxing in the geothermal lagoon, you can also use one of the two steam baths available. The steam rises right from the underground and the weather controls its temperature. Most of the time the temperature inside the steam baths is about 45°C and the humidity there is close to 100%.
There is an outdoor shower with cold water which you can try to cool down after using the baths or before going back to the lagoon. Using the cold shower before or after the warm water or the steam bath is a Viking tradition which strengthens the immune system. You do not have to try it if you don’t feel so.
Indoor showers are available and all the guests are advised to use them before going to the lagoon. In the Icelandic culture people shower naked even at those public facilities but this is not a must when you go there, you can also shower with your swimsuit on. Do as you feel comfortable.
You can also enjoy a drink while relaxing in the lagoon. When you check in to the spa you can buy a bracelet for drinks and you can order drinks from the staff available near the lagoon and pay them at the end of your visit.
There are also lockers where you can keep your belongings. It is very recommended to keep your jewellery and glasses inside the locker as the sulfur in the water can damage them. Also, take a simple swimsuit with you and let the glam swimsuit with jewellery home.
Café Kvika offers the opportunity to have a delicious meal during lunch or dinner with a stunning view of the lagoon. There is an indoor and outdoor sitting area just perfect for having a tasty meal and some refreshments after a relaxing experience in the lagoon.
Price comparison
Blue Lagoon
At Blue Lagoon you can choose between three types of entrance tickets: Comfort (Entrance to the Blue Lagoon, Silica mud mask, Use of the towel, 1st drink of your choice),
Premium: (Entrance to the Blue Lagoon, Silica mud mask, Use of a towel, 1st drink of your choice, Second mask of choice, Slippers, Use of bathrobe, Table reservation at Lava Restaurant, 1 glass of sparkling wine if dining at Lava restaurant) and
Luxury: (Four luxurious hours at the Retreat Spa. This package includes a private changing suite and unlimited access to both the Retreat Lagoon and the Blue Lagoon).
Check the prices for each package on the Blue Lagoon page.
MyVatn Nature Baths
There are three types of admission tickets at MyVatn Nature Baths:
-The Relaxation ticket includes only access to the lagoon;
-The Enjoy ticket includes access to the lagoon and a drink;
-The experience ticket includes access to the lagoon, a drink and bathrobe and a towel.
For kids under 12 years old access to the lagoon is free. Discounted prices are available for seniors, handicapped customers and students.
The prices may vary depending on the season.
Check all the prices on the MyVatn Nature Baths page.
Did I convince you? If yes then book your tickets for the Blue Lagoon or Mývatn Nature Baths and tell us which one is the best geothermal spa.
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